Calling all under-40s

I 'd like to introduce you to some old friends. Actually, they are young friends.

During my Furniture/Today years, I joined the Young Home Furnishings Executives organization as a member of its board of directors. At the time, the group's aim was to recruit and train top-level executives, under 40, in the furniture industry.

Since then, the organization has evolved and grown more inclusive. We changed the name two years ago to Young Home Furnishings Professionals, as a way to welcome everyone — not just execs — and earlier this year, became a division of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.

Over the years, YHFP has hosted parties, speakers, seminars, conferences and internship programs across the country. Now, the AHFA association has created even more of these social and educational opportunities.

So why am I writing this column? The way I see it, this industry is about far more than just the "furniture guys." There are a lot of talented young men and women all over this business who represent the next generation of leadership. So for my part, I am here to recruit people from the home accents side of the business to join us.

And the upcoming High Point Market is the perfect venue. YHFP is one of the sponsors of Home Accents Today's market party, in the Market Square Courtyard on Monday evening. The group's execs and board members will all be there, along with the HAT staff and lots of buyers and vendors, of course.

We need to bring in fresh talent. That talent can come straight out of college, or from other industries altogether, but we need to find ways to make this business more attractive to young, smart-minded people looking for the first or next step in their careers.

We know it's a fun industry, but it doesn't seem like the word is getting out, at least as far as recruitment goes.

And for those of us already here — who wouldn't like to create some bonds with people from other companies? Our members include retailers, vendors, suppliers and press, so there's literally something for everyone, no matter what your business angle is. Oh, and we like to have some fun, too.

So, all you under-40s — and I know there are a lot of you out there — please take a look at yhfp.org and sign up. Annual membership is cheap, and it pays dividends in the opportunities for networking and learning that come along with it.

Hope to see you at the party in High Point.